The United States has linked the recent rise in terrorist attacks in Nigeria and other African nations to its withdrawal from military bases in Niger and Chad. The US military said the exit has weakened its ability to track and stop terrorist groups operating in the region.
General Michael Langley, head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), spoke during a press briefing after the African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Kenya. He described the growing insecurity in Nigeria and the wider Sahel region as a “real threat.
In recent weeks, Nigeria has witnessed a sharp increase in deadly attacks. Extremist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have resumed raids in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.
In the Middle Belt states of Benue and Plateau, armed herders have attacked villages and communities, causing deaths and displacement.
Many of these attacks have targeted both civilians and soldiers. Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes. This wave of violence follows a period of relative calm.
Langley explained that the absence of US counterterrorism intelligence in the region may have allowed these groups to grow stronger. “Since we left Niger in September of last year, we’re observing a rise in attacks,” he said. “Not only in Niger but across the Sahel, including Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Mali.”
He said the attacks are now more frequent and complex, driven by poverty, armed groups, and political instability. “Unfortunately, with our withdrawal, we’ve lost our ability to monitor these groups closely,” he added. “But we continue to liaise with partners and offer support.”
AFRICOM’s Mission and Challenges
AFRICOM was established in 2007. It oversees US military cooperation in Africa, except Egypt. Its goals include helping African countries fight terrorism, piracy, and illegal trade. The command also supports disaster relief and peacekeeping.
Langley said the US has continued to share intelligence with the Nigerian military and nearby countries. He noted that despite its exit from bases in Niger and Chad, AFRICOM is still engaging with key partners.
“We are committed to supporting one of the most capable militaries in the region, in Nigeria,” he said. “We continue to work with Nigerian forces to combat Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa.”
He added that Nigeria is a major security ally and has benefited from military training and equipment from the US. “We’ve had a long history of defence partnerships with Nigeria, including sales of military gear and joint training,” he said.
Nigeria has also hosted “Obangame Express,” a major maritime security operation led by AFRICOM.
Terrorist Expansion May Threaten US Homeland
Langley warned that terror groups in the Sahel are growing so fast that they might soon pose a threat beyond Africa. “The terrorist organisations in Africa could eventually reach the US if left unchecked,” he said.
He described Burkina Faso as one of the most affected countries. The military there has lost control of many areas to extremists. The Lake Chad region, which includes parts of Nigeria, is also experiencing more attacks.
He said the extremists now aim to reach coastal countries in West Africa. If they gain access to the sea, they could make money through smuggling, human trafficking, and weapons trade. This would make it harder to stop their growth.
“If they secure access to the coastline, they can finance operations through smuggling and arms trading,” Langley said. “This threatens both Africa and the US.”
He praised coastal African nations for resisting this expansion and said the US would continue supporting them.
US Also Countering China’s Growing Military Interests in Africa
Langley also spoke about US efforts to challenge China’s growing presence in Africa. He said the US is trying to build respectful partnerships, unlike China’s approach which he described as resource-driven.
“My second charge from Secretary Hegseth is to confront the military ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party on the continent,” Langley explained.
He said China’s projects often overlook the long-term well-being of African nations. In contrast, the US is linking military support with trade and economic development.
“Private investment cannot thrive without safety,” he said. “That’s why AFRICOM’s role is vital. We are helping build stability for both African and American prosperity.”
Langley ended by saying that the US remains open to working with African nations, but only when invited. “We respect each nation’s sovereignty,” he said. “We only operate where we’re asked and where it fits US security goals.”
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There was no difference when they (USA) was here and they are the ones fuelling the insecurity. Where did the terrorists get their high valed weapons? Stay una Lane.